Rhetorical Appeals of the Four Modes

Image Paragraph.

The physique of the statue gives the viewer a reason to believe that this image is an honest portrayal of what a dancer would actually look like. Due to the precision in the dancers’ stance, the examiner can feel a sense of legitimacy. The position of the dancer allows the viewer to feel as if it is an honest depiction of a realistic dancer, by doing so; the viewer can begin to feel an emotion connection to the artwork.  Sadness, disappointment, grace, beauty and perfection can all be drawn from this image depending on the individual examining the work. The tilt of her head and the slouch of her shoulder could suggest that she did not receive a part she had auditioned for, or an instructor gave her a bad review, or she is feeling down about her performance or personal body image. In conclusion, one can see the statue as a real dancer experiencing the strong variety of emotions experience in their attempts at success.

Film Paragraph.

In the movie Center Stage, one of the ballerinas gets into a confrontation with her mother because she is not performing in the showcase.  The conversation between them reveals the existence of a serious, on-going problem between a mother and her daughter. The revelation of such a scenario allows for the acceptance of the validity of the case at hand. Each character makes the audience feel a different emotion; a sense of sympathy for the daughter and a sense of anger towards the mother.  The daughter clearly states that her tenure at dance was an attempt to appease her mother, and not a particular passion of her own. In the dialogue it is made clear that the daughter developed an eating disorder throughout her high-pressure career as a competitive dancer, giving further reasoning for the existence of the conflict. In conclusion, this particular scene from the movie depicts the pressure dancers undergo in order to be successful, and the often-surprising origins of the issues that come from such demands.

Song Paragraph.

In the song Mary Jane by Alanis Morrisette she tells a story about a girl named Mary Jane who is going through a tough time.  Alanis directly addresses characteristics specific to Mary Jane in the lines; “You’re the sweet crusader And you’re on your way You’re the last great innocent And that’s why I love you. These lines reveal the existence of a relationship between Alanis and Mary Jane. Such an existence brings credibility to the story, allowing the listeners to trust what Alanis is saying and have sympathy for the subject.  Alanis’ emotional delivery of the lyrics contributes to the emotional connection made by the listener; empathy, curiosity, worry, and sadness seem prevalent within this particular song. Also, the use of similes and metaphors adds another layer to the emotional impact of the song.  Morrisette questions and addresses Mary Jane’s current state of being, revealing to the listener that she wants to help Mary Jane with her problems. In conclusion, Alanis Morrisette has a friend who is experiencing difficult times, and Alanis feels the need to confront Mary Jane and assist in the solving of her problems.

Text Paragraph.

In the book entitled Thin by Lauren Greenfield, she complies interviews and real pictures from twenty different women who suffer from some form of an eating disorder. Since, Lauren, herself, has struggled with eating disorders in the past she has the credibility to write this book. Through the interviews and images the reader feels a sense of sympathy, sadness, and worriment towards these women who are suffering. This gives the reader a sense of what each girl is going through with the struggle to survive. In conclusion, Thin is a testimony of women suffering with an illness that is taking over their lives and how they are dealing with it.

The Toni Morrison Interview

For this weeks selection we were instructed to watch the Charlie Rose interview with Toni Morrison, who is an author, editor, and professor whose books are captivating to all audiences. At the beginning of the interview Morrison discussed her book Love, which she describes as a riveting display of how people's relationship strive off one man. Morrison said that once being an editor gave her a leg up in the writing community. Eventually, the interview turned to talked about a  group of wealthier African Americans and the growth of the African American culture. She explained how these groups are needed for the African American culture because they bring hope and status to other African Americans.

During the interview Morrison made a statement which was very striking to me as a listener. She said that the most important things in her life were to mother her children and to write these books. Now to me that is very powerful.  To be so certain with what you want to do with your life is very influential; especially to a college student who feels the same drive to be successful.  In the interview Morrison spoke elegantly about her beliefs of the African American culture and how her books reflect certain aspects of that. 

Toni Morrison accepts her recognitions, however, she is quite humble when discussing her success and the life she has lived. Her ability to stay humble through all of her accomplishment should spread to others who do not follow suit. I believe in feeling pride in your work and being recognized for your accomplishments but I do feel it is not necessary to flaunt your success in other faces.  To my knowledge, Morrison would agree. 

What would the world be like if more people were able to humbly accept their accomplishments instead of flaunting them?

Why did Morrison start her writing career so late in life?

How can these 'groups' that Morrison talks about help influence others to feel hope and status?

Four-Mode Teaching Tool

Eating Disorders in Dancers.. 

Book: Thin by Lauren Greenfield

Film: Center Stage

Song: "Mary Jane" by Alanis Morissette

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaldyJFXnS0&feature=related

Visual Aid: Entitled Balanchine Dancer - Best of the Best

The Simpsons as a Critique of Consumer Culture

Cartoonist Matt Groening created an animation TV show for Fox Network in 1989.  The show brought light on subjects such as critique of dominant American institutions, hypocrisy within the educational system, religious beliefs, American political structure, and capitalism all through a contradicting narrative about a middle class American family with traditional values. Figure out the show yet?  The Simpsons has been one of Fox Network hit shows since the beginning through their ability to use each character and show to showcase a lesson within the American culture which has flaws.  Groening made each character an idea; 'they are caricatures of the ideologies they represent.  Homer is often put down and is always governed by an urge for self-satisfaction. Marge is the modern housewife who is ignored by her husband and  not appreciated by her kids; she is the 'site of social injustice towards women'. Bart shows the failures of public school. Lisa is the voice of rationality and the character of Mr. Burns is capitalism. Overall, the text for The Simpsons challenges modern American society.  

Personally, I have never been a fan of The Simpsons because I thought it was a stupid cartoon that just made you dumper with each episode watched.  I did not know nor understanding the underlying message the show portrayed. After reading this article by Sam Tingleff, I feel that I have a new appreciation for what Groening is trying to do; inform the American public of the various flaws that lie within our culture. 

However, what I am trying to understand now, is how is it that almost twenty years have past and the same scenarios The Simpsons started off with in their first season still apply today. It is a scary thought that our society has not changed that most over the past two decades. What does that say for our future?  Hopefully, with the coming of a new political party change is on the rise but only time will tell. 

Some Questions to Think About...

1. Are there any other TV shows that poke fun at the American culture? If so, what are they?

2. What are your views on how The Simpsons portrays our society? Do you believe it to be accurate or no?

3. When do you believe change to come, if ever?

Knowledge Nugget

Three statements I have learned from The Bell Jar...

- People come in and out of your life.

In the serious of Sex and the City, Carrie and Mr. Big have a relationship on and off throughout all six seasons.  However, in the end, even through the trials and tribulations, they end up together in the end.

http://www.spacegravy.com/images/icons/content_icon_1861.jpg 

- Do not give into love temptations.

In the movie Adventureland, which has just recently been released in theaters, has a story line about a girl who falls for a co-worker who has a wife, but then falls for another co-worker who 'loves' her back. 

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm463244032/tt1091722

-In life, you are being judged...more so when are you trying to move on or get ahead. 

For example, most reality T.V shows are all about the judgement of others in a competition setting. America's Next Top Model is the perfect example of that. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkC8idYneMs

The Second Sex

In the introduction of The Second Sex: Woman as Others, Simone de Beauvoir poses the question 'what is a woman?' She start off by stating women make up half of humanity but still are told 'femininity is in danger'. Hence, if it is in danger now what is to say that is ever existed, and if it never exist then how is every human being a singular, separate individual? Man have always, and most likely will always, be seen as the superior race; whereas men will continue to see women as the minority or as St Thomas put it, an 'imperfect man'. Benda stated that 'she' cannot think without man and 'she' is simply a sexual object for mans desire. However, it is through this desire that man have some dependence on women, for the mere fact of offspring. de Beauvior book is her attempt in the 'interests in the fortunes of the individual as defined not in terms of happiness but in terms of liberty'. She wants woman to be able to come together as a whole to fight against men because until then woman's status will be that of what a man wants it to be.  As of now, 'she' lives in a world where men give her the status of the Other and they (men) are the One.  Men propose her as an object. Males and females have never been able to inhabit the world equally due to this bias way of thinking; that man are inferior to woman. 

The author states over and over the concept of being a woman and the struggle woman go through seeking equal acceptance in a 'mans world'.  Although her ideas are profound and hold true meaning, I found the introduction to be quite redundant. She found many ways to state that woman are the lesser of the human race.  However, the examples given made the introduction not so difficult to read; Her example about how man regards the body of a woman as a 'hinderance, a prison' never being able to connect to the world the way in which His is capable of.  Even though, repetition of the same idea exist throughout the work the way it is presented works. It is as though the author is trying to beat it in our heads that woman are not a minority in the world but even more so have the ability to stand up against this controversial issue.

As a woman, I agree with what de Beauvoir says; however, I do believe it needs to be taken into consideration that this piece was written in 1949.  To me, this is an important aspect to consider because I feel the inequality between men and women has sunk since that time. Nowadays women are able to work in positions that in the past have been deemed only for men.  Look at this past year, a female ran for president and a female was the running mate of a white male republican.  As little as 10 years ago, you would have never seen that happen.  All that can say is that the world is changing and society, for the most part, is keeping up.  Women will have to continue to fight to justice. 

Some Questions to Think About...

1. What view point do you believe de Beauvoir is taking on the issue of equality in regards to this book?

2. How do you feel about what de Beauvoir states about woman being the 'other'?

3. How you ever been an 'other'? If so, has that experience taught you anything?

Extra Credit - Week Six

On the Random Acts of Kindness website there was a story posted by a women reflecting on a past experience that moved her to perform a kind act.  When she was young she was the 'coach' for her and her friends pick up soccer team.  One day while in a store the little girl found stickers that would be perfect to hand out at practice, however her mother would not buy them for her. Leaving the store disappointed the little girl heard a man calling to her and in his hand was the pack of stickers she wanted.  As the man walked away without saying a word, she thought about how kind he was. So years later, overhearing a little girl talk about how she wanted Minnie Mouse hair ties, now a women, she bought them for the little girl.  This was her way of saying thank you to the man to did the same deed to her.

This story goes to show how it does not take much to make others happen.  Also, how one kind act can lead to a domino effect of kind acts.  So in the end, I vow the next time I am in a store and I over hear a child talking about a trinket they want and can not get I will buy it for them so they can smile. 

http://actsofkindness.org/node/476317